Uploading a picture of the sunset from the four-star hotel where she and fellow officer Sergeant Brett Williams are staying, PC Anderson told Facebook friends she was drunk after a spelling mistake was spotted in her post.

On Tuesday night she wrote: "Zoz Andy but it had to be done!!!" before adding: "Sozzled…hence the typo!"

Her friend Andrew Carroll replied: "I thought you were to stop people drinking too much not join them".

PC Anderson then wrote: "If you can't beat em…"

The posts are not visible on her Facebook page but West Midlands Police and the Foreign Office have been informed of the matter.

PA

The West Midlands officers are supported Spanish police with investigations

West Midlands Deputy Chief Constable David Thompson said: "Whether policing at home or abroad, all of our officers are well aware of the standards of professional behaviour the police service - and those we serve - expect.

"Sergeant Williams and PC Anderson have been performing a variety of supportive roles, including assisting Spanish officers with investigations with UK nationals involved as well as taking part in patrols - all of which has been a policing success.

"Both have extensive knowledge of the island and excellent Spanish language skills.

"Whilst deployed they are working long rostered hours and of course, a limited amount of off-duty time, with any activity they choose to undertake funded entirely by themselves."

The Foreign Office defended the posting, saying officers dealt with around 1,800 British nationals who had been detained, hospitalised or needed emergency travel documents in Ibiza and Mallorca last year.

The officers have already been blasted for their shift times and relaxing in the evenings when trouble is most likely to kick off at the rowdy Majorcan resort.

Holidaymakers have criticised their eight-hour shifts between 7am and 10pm, with one describing them as a "joke".

PC Anderson and Sgt Williams have defended their role at the holiday resort, insisting there are "valid" reasons for their presence.

The plush spa hotel along the Costa de la Calma where the officers are staying costs £200-a-night, with each room coming with its own jacuzzi.